Winkler Co-op settles on proposed new name

The results are in, and a new proposed name has been selected for Winkler Co-op.
    
As PembinaValleyOnline reported in October, the Board of Directors felt a new name was needed to better reflect the communities the organization has branched into over the years, and they turned to the community for help. Expanding well beyond their first location in Winkler established in 1941, Winkler Co-op has grown to have a total of twenty-three locations in those six communities.

"We have chosen Gardenland Co-op!" General Manager, Evan Toews, made the announcement Tuesday on the Country 88.9 and Eagle 95.3 morning shows. 

A few of the old Gardenland products. (Courtesy Winkler Co-op website)

The name was picked by staff, management and the Board of Directors after sifting through 500 community submissions and is meaningful in a number of ways.

"Some of the history behind is, there was a local creamery that was the Co-op Creamery and actually, the private label product they produced - butter and ice cream, etc. - was known as Gardenland Ice Cream and Gardenland Butter. So, it brings a bit of that heritage into the future," he explained. "Also, just the word gardenland and its meaning with all of the gardens and productive soil in the area, it just really ties it all together for us."

The new name pays homage to the old Gardenland Creamery.

"We're really excited about it," added Toews. "We're looking forward to having it approved so we can roll forward and register it and get that name officially changed."

Members will vote on the newly proposed name at the Co-op's upcoming Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, April 10th at the Buhler Active Living Centre. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm. 

With files from Ronny Guenther and Pam Fedack.